MS Medical Dosimetry Program Course Descriptions
| Course | Course Description | Textbook |
|---|---|---|
| MD502 Radiation Biology (3cr) | This course focuses on introducing fundamental radiation biology concepts. Emphasis is placed on radiation interactions, cell damage, cell survival curves, cell sensitivity and response, factors affecting cell response, tissue kinetics, effects on the fetus, biological models, and radiobiological risk assessment. | Required: Radiobiology for the Radiologist, 8/e. Eric Hall and Amato Giaccia Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins 2018 ISBN-13: 9781496335418 |
| MD505 Radiation Oncology I (3cr) | This course focuses on applying the fundamental radiation oncology physics concepts to specialty procedures. Emphasis is placed on: Advanced electron beam therapy, electron arc therapy, electron IORT, stereotactic radiosurgery, IMRT, IGRT, IMET, Robotic therapy, Tomotherapy, physics measurement for specialty procedures using different phantoms, and comprehensive quality assurance. | Required: Khan’s The Physics of Radiation Therapy 6/e. Dr. John Gibbons. Lippincott, Williams, and Wilkins 2019 ISBN-13: 978-1496397522 Recommended: The Physics of Radiology, 4/e Harold Elford Johns and John Robert Cunningham Charles C. Thomas Publisher (Feb. 1983) ISBN-13: 978-0398046699 Retail Price: $95.95 Khan’s Lectures: Handbook of the Physics of Radiation Therapy Lippincott, Williams, and Wilkins (July 5, 2011) ISBN-13: 978-1605476810 Retail price: $53.60 |
| MD506 Radiation Oncology II (3cr) | This course builds upon the fundamental ideas developed in Radiation Oncology I. A wide range of specialized topics are covered. The intent is to familiarize the student with a broad swath of special procedures encountered in radiation oncology, and to provide in-depth understanding of the most common of these special procedures. The course also covers the process of machine acceptance and commissioning, the use of this data by the operator of the treatment planning system, and how the system then uses that data to calculate doses from therapy devices. Emphasis throughout this course is placed on quality control and quality assurance. Prerequisite: Radiation Oncology I MP505 or MD505 | Required: Khan’s The Physics of Radiation Therapy 6/e. Dr. John Gibbons. Lippincott, Williams, and Wilkins 2019 ISBN-13: 978-1496397522 Recommended: Khan’s Lectures: Handbook of the Physics of Radiation Therapy Lippincott, Williams, and Wilkins (July 5, 2011) ISBN-13: 978-1605476810 Retail price: $53.60 |
| MP520 Computer Systems in Medicine (2cr) | In this course, students are presented with material that will ensure a standard level of computer ability. The student is acquainted with the basics of operation of modern computers and operating systems. The course will help students navigate the computing world to become computer literate and appreciate the effect of information technology on people, privacy, ethics, and our environment. The course covers the key information today’s students need to know to be prepared for their careers and knowledge in Health Information Management, HIM. | Required: Essentials of Health Information Management: Principles and Practices, 5/e. Mary Jo Bowie MindTap + eBook ISBN-13: 9780357624333 |
| MHP510 Health Physics and Radiation Safety (3cr) | This course focuses on introducing physical principles of radioisotopes and imaging systems used in medicine and biology. Imaging systems are discussed at length with a focus on applying universal imaging concepts such as contrast and resolution to the Anger camera, PET and SPECT scanners. Radiochemical therapy and other radiopharmaceuticals are discussed. Health physics and quality control issues pertinent to nuclear medicine physics are addressed. Prerequisites: MP504 and MP505; must be taken after or concurrently with MP503 | Required: No text required. Materials will be provided as needed. |
| MHP607 Radiation Oncology Department Management (2cr) | This course focuses on management techniques for medical professionals in the radiation oncology field. Emphasis is placed general management techniques and managing radiation oncology professionals. Implementation of a New Cancer Center is also discussed. | Required: No text required. Materials will be provided as needed. |
| MHP609 Radiation Oncology Financials (2cr) | This course focuses on the financial aspects of a Radiation Oncology Department. Emphasis is placed and technical and professional billing, budget development, contract evaluation, and program start-up cost. | Required: No text required. Materials will be provided as needed. |
| MP590 Medical and Professional Ethics (1cr) | This course focuses areas that require an understanding of medical ethics. Emphasis will be placed on Patient Data, Patient Records, Publications, Presentations, General Professional Conduct, Medical Malpractice, and Research. | Required: No text required. Materials will be provided as needed. |
| STAT501 Statistical Methods (3cr) | This course focuses on the fundamentals of statistical analysis for biostatistics. Emphasis is placed on statistic nomenclature, probability evaluation, hypothesis testing and evaluation, experimental design, regression models, variable/data analysis, nonparametric tests, and survival analysis. | Required: Biostatistics for the Biological and Health Sciences, 3/e Triola Marc; Triola Mario; Roy, Jason;. Pearson: February 17, 2023 ISBN-13: 9780137863877 MyLab Statistics Series Microsoft Excel and any Statistical Tool such as SPSS, Minitab, StatCrunch, Statdisk, PhStat, etc. https://www.pearsonmylabandmastering.com/northamerica/mystatlab/ |
| MP599 SeminarsA (1cr) | The seminars course is designed to provide informational seminars on new and emerging technologies, research, and relevant topics related to Medical Physics. The student will write a number of white papers on the subjects of these seminars. | Required: No text required. Materials will be provided as needed. |
| MD588 Clinical Treatment Planning I (2cr) | The ability to create a workable treatment plan is the fundamental responsibility of the medical dosimetrist, and is a skill that a medical physicist must keep well in practice. To give the student some experience in treatment plan creation, this course asks the student to create a series of deliverable treatment plans in the form of labs pertaining to each body site. The student will be competent in every aspect of the treatment plan, including common prescriptions and target volumes, dose constraints to critical structures, and plan evaluation. Certified Medical Dosimetrists may take Education and Practicum I (MD610) in lieu of this course. | Required: Treatment Planning in Radiation Oncology, 4/e. Faiz Khan and Paul Sperduto Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins ISBN-13: 978-1469889979 OR Khan’s Treatment Planning in Radiation Oncology, 5/e. Faiz Khan and Paul Sperduto Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins 2021 ISBN-13: 978-1975162016 Perez and Brady’s Principles and Practice of Radiation Oncology, 6/e. Halperin, E., Brady, L., Perez, C., and Wazer, D. LWW (2013) ISBN-13: 978-1451116489 OR Perez and Brady’s Principles and Practice of Radiation Oncology, 7/e. Halperin, E., Brady, L., Perez, C., and Wazer, D. LWW (2018) ISBN-13: 978-1496386793 Recommended: CT Anatomy for Radiotherapy, 1/e Pete Bridge M&K Update (2011) ISBN-13: 978-1905539543 Radiation Therapy Planning, 2/e Gunilla Bentel McGraw-Hill Professional (Oct. 1, 1995) ISBN-13: 978-0070051157 Additional Recommended Resources: Pocket Atlas of Sectional Anatomy from Torsten Moeller & Emil Reif |
| MD590 Clinical Treatment Planning II (2cr) | This course focuses on applying the fundamentals of 2D-3D treatment planning concepts to include an anatomical and biological overview of multiple cancer types. An emphasis is placed on understanding basic site specific radiation treatment planning techniques and different cancer treatment options. Site specific cancer overview may include epidemiological statistics, anatomy, pathology, clinical presentation, routes of spread, diagnostic studies, staging, prognostic factors, and treatment toxicity. CT anatomy and multiple imaging modalities will accompany treatment planning lab exercises. Prerequisite: Clinical Treatment Planning I (MD588) Certified Medical Dosimetrists may take Education and Practicum II (MD611) in lieu of this course. | Required: Treatment Planning in Radiation Oncology, 4/e. Faiz Khan and Paul Sperduto Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins ISBN-13: 978-1469889979 OR Khan’s Treatment Planning in Radiation Oncology, 5/e. Faiz Khan and Paul Sperduto Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins 2021 ISBN-13: 978-1975162016 Leibel and Phillips Textbook of Radiation Oncology 3/e. Theodore Phillips, Richard Hoppe, Mack Roach III Elsevier, Saunders (2010) ISBN-13: 978-1-4160-5897-7 Recommended: Perez and Brady’s Principles and Practice of Radiation Oncology, 6/e. Halperin, E., Brady, L., Perez, C., and Wazer, D. LWW (2013) ISBN-13: 978-1451116489 OR Perez and Brady’s Principles and Practice of Radiation Oncology, 7/e. Halperin, E., Brady, L., Perez, C., and Wazer, D. LWW (2018) ISBN-13: 978-1496386793 Additional Recommended Resources: Pocket Atlas of Sectional Anatomy from Torsten Moeller & Emil Reif |
| MD688 Clinical Treatment Planning III (2cr) | This course focuses on applying the fundamentals of 3D and IMRT treatment planning concepts to include image guidance with an anatomical and biological overview of multiple cancer types. An emphasis is placed on understanding basic site specific radiation treatment planning techniques and different cancer treatment options. Site specific cancer overview may include epidemiological statistics, anatomy, pathology, clinical presentation, routes of spread, diagnostic studies, staging, prognostic factors, and treatment toxicity. Special procedures including Stereotactic Radiosurgery (STS), Stereotactic Body Radiation (SBRT) and Hyperthermia will be discussed in relation to planning and treatment delivery. Specialized radiation therapy equipment (Tomotherapy, Gamma Knife and CyberKnife) used to deliver special procedures will be evaluated and compared to traditional linear accelerator treatments. CT anatomy and multiple imaging modalities will accompany treatment planning lab exercises. Prerequisite: Clinical Treatment Planning II (MD590) Certified Medical Dosimetrists may take Education and Practicum III (MD612) in lieu of this course. | Required: Treatment Planning in Radiation Oncology, 4/e. Faiz Khan and Paul Sperduto Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins ISBN-13: 978-1469889979 OR Khan’s Treatment Planning in Radiation Oncology, 5/e. Faiz Khan and Paul Sperduto Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins 2021 ISBN-13: 978-1975162016 Leibel and Phillips Textbook of Radiation Oncology 3/e. Theodore Phillips, Richard Hoppe, Mack Roach III Elsevier, Saunders (2010) ISBN-13: 978-1-4160-5897-7 Recommended: Perez and Brady’s Principles and Practice of Radiation Oncology, 6/e. Halperin, E., Brady, L., Perez, C., and Wazer, D. LWW (2013) ISBN-13: 978-1451116489 OR Perez and Brady’s Principles and Practice of Radiation Oncology, 7/e. Halperin, E., Brady, L., Perez, C., and Wazer, D. LWW (2018) ISBN-13: 978-1496386793 Additional Recommended Resources: Pocket Atlas of Sectional Anatomy from Torsten Moeller & Emil Reif |
| MD690 Clinical Treatment Planning IV (2cr) | This course focuses on applying the fundamentals of IMRT, VMAT, and Brachytherapy treatment planning concepts to include an anatomical and biological overview of multiple cancer types. An emphasis is placed on understanding advanced radiation treatment planning techniques and comparison between static and volumetric intensity modulated treatment plans. Additional emphasis will be given to HDR/LDR brachytherapy treatment planning. Site specific cancer overview may include epidemiological statistics, anatomy, pathology, clinical presentation, routes of spread, diagnostic studies, staging, prognostic factors, and treatment toxicity. Special procedures including Proton Therapy, Heavy Charged Particle Therapy and Radioisotope Therapy will be discussed in relation to general theory, planning techniques and treatment delivery. CT anatomy and multiple imaging modalities will accompany treatment planning lab exercises. Prerequisite: Clinical Treatment Planning III (MD688) Certified Medical Dosimetrists may take Education and Practicum IV (MD613) in lieu of this course. | Required: Required: Treatment Planning in Radiation Oncology, 4/e. Faiz Khan and Paul Sperduto Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins ISBN-13: 978-1469889979 OR Khan’s Treatment Planning in Radiation Oncology, 5/e. Faiz Khan and Paul Sperduto Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins 2021 ISBN-13: 978-1975162016 Leibel and Phillips Textbook of Radiation Oncology 3/e. Theodore Phillips, Richard Hoppe, Mack Roach III Elsevier, Saunders (2010) ISBN-13: 978-1-4160-5897-7 Recommended: Perez and Brady’s Principles and Practice of Radiation Oncology, 6/e. Halperin, E., Brady, L., Perez, C., and Wazer, D. LWW (2013) ISBN-13: 978-1451116489 OR Perez and Brady’s Principles and Practice of Radiation Oncology, 7/e. Halperin, E., Brady, L., Perez, C., and Wazer, D. LWW (2018) ISBN-13: 978-1496386793 |
| MD695 Capstone (3cr) | This course will include a comprehensive review of content in medical dosimetry. It is designed to assist the student in preparing for the national certification examination in medical dosimetry. It is also designed to prepare the M.S. student to enter the workforce. This course is Pass/Fail and should be taken by the non-certified medical dosimetry student. | TBD |
MD699 Clinical Internship (4cr) | The internship is designed to give the student laboratory/clinical instruction in specific areas of medical physics or dosimetry practice. The student keeps a daily journal of their progress on each of the course competencies, to include not only assigned calculations and discussions but also relevant notes and observations on clinical practice. | Required: No text required. |
| A Required to complete two 1-credit Seminars courses | ||
| MD501 Radiation Dosimetry (4cr) | This course focuses on introducing radiation terminology used in radiation dosimetry. Fundamental dose calculation theories are reviewed and an emphasis is placed on clinical and radiation safety related dosimetry techniques. Recommended: Calculus I and Calculus II | Required: Introduction to Radiological Physics and Radiation Dosimetry, 1/e Frank Herbert Attix Wiley-Interscience (Sept. 1986) ISBN-13: 978-0471011460 Retail Price: $215.71 Recommended: The Physics of Radiology, 4/e Harold Elford Johns and John Robert Cunningham Charles C. Thomas Publisher (Feb. 1983) ISBN-13: 978-0398046699 Retail Price: $95.95 |
MD611 Brachytherapy (3cr) | This course focuses on introducing fundamental radiation physics and safety of Brachytherapy. Special emphasis is placed on both LDR and HDR Brachytherapy. | Required: No text required. Materials will be provided as needed. |
| MD503 Diagnostic Radiology (3cr) | This course focuses on introducing fundamental physics in the medical imaging profession. Fundamental concepts are applied to the system design of each imaging component presented. A special emphasis is placed on the implementation and application of each diagnostic imaging modality. | Required: The Essential Physics of Medical Imaging, 3/e Bushberg, Seibert, Leidholdt Jr., and Boone Lippincott Williams and Wilkins (Dec. 20, 2011) ISBN-13: 978-0781780575 Retail Price: $167.36 |
| MD504 Nuclear Medicine (3cr) | This course focuses on introducing physical principles of radioisotopes and imaging systems used in medicine and biology. Imaging systems are discussed at length with a focus on applying universal imaging concepts such as contrast and resolution to the Anger camera, PET and SPECT scanners. Radiochemical therapy and other radiopharmaceuticals are discussed. Health physics and quality control issues pertinent to nuclear medicine physics are addressed. | Required: No text required. Materials will be provided as needed. Recommended: Physics in Nuclear Medicine Simon R. Cherry, et al. Saunders (July 18, 2003) ISBN-13: 978-0721683416 Retail Price: $88.75 |
| MD613 Nuclear Oncology (3cr) | This course introduces the new emerging field of Nuclear Oncology. Topics covered include: liver microsphere treatment imaging and treatment, I-131 thyroid ablation, and high dose I-131 thyroid ablation, Sr-89 treatment, and new experimental isotopes. | Required: No text required. Materials will be provided as needed. |
| MD615 Proton Therapy (2cr) | This course gives the student a background in the fundamental science underlying proton and heavy ion therapy. The radiological physics of these particles is treated first to give the student background necessary for the remainder of the course. The remainder of the course emphasizes the unique challenges faced and opportunities made possible in the use of these types of treatments; these points are presented in contrast with standard x-ray and electron therapy. | Required: Proton and Charged Particle Radiotherapy, 1/e Thomas F. DeLaney and Hanne M. Kooy Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins (Sept. 1, 2007) ISBN-13: 978-0781765527 Retail Price: $219.99 |
MD630 Contouring, Imaging, and Special Procedures (2cr) | This course will provide an in-depth review of imaging concepts, image data set contouring, and specialty procedures to include SRS, SBRT, HDR, and LDR. | Required: No text required. Materials will be provided as needed. |
MD633 Informatics in Radiation Oncology (2cr) | This course will provide an in-depth review of the new emerging field of medical informatics. A focus will be placed on oncology protocols, benchmarking, and plan review. | Required: No text required. Materials will be provided as needed. |
MD635 Clinical Safety and Quality Assurance (2cr) | This course will provide an in-depth review of the concepts, practices, guidelines, tolerances, and future directions of clinical safety and quality assurance. | Required: No text required. Materials will be provided as needed. |
| MD697 Capstone (4cr) | This course is designed to be the culminating course for the Master of Science candidate who has already achieved their national certification in medical dosimetry. Included will be a clinical project with a clinical journal and 180 hours of clinical experience required. The course will also include submission of a literature review and original research project. | Required: No text required. Materials will be provided as needed. |
| MD610 Education and Practicum I (2cr) | Education and Practicum I is offered to those students who have passed the Certified Medical Dosimetrist (CMD) board exam given by the Medical Dosimetry Certification Board (MDCB). This class will offer alternative assignments dealing with current and experimental special radiation therapy procedures such as: Cyberknife, Tomotherapy, Particle Therapy, Stereotactic Radiosurgery, and Brachytherapy. This course will provide an introduction to clinical research. Students are expected to prepare clinical or research presentations. The student will present projects to faculty and peers during university meetings. Students are also encouraged to present their clinical research during local, regional, or national professional society meetings. In addition, students will gain experience in dosimetry planning lab instruction and leadership development skills. These classes will progress in increasing complexity from I-IV. Prerequisite: Anatomy 1 semester | Required: No text required. Materials will be provided as needed. |
| MD611 Education and Practicum II (3cr) | Education and Practicum II is offered to those students who have passed the Certified Medical Dosimetrist (CMD) board exam given by the Medical Dosimetry Certification Board (MDCB). This course follows in sequence the Education and Practicum I course and expands on leadership and lab instruction. This class will offer alternative assignments dealing with current and experimental special radiation therapy procedures such as: Cyberknife, Tomotherapy, Particle Therapy, Stereotactic Radiosurgery, and Brachytherapy. This course will provide an introduction to clinical research. Students are expected to prepare clinical or research presentations. The student will present projects to faculty and peers during university meetings. Students are also encouraged to present their clinical research during local, regional, and national professional society meetings. These class will progress in increasing complexity from I-IV. Prerequisite: Education and Practicum I (MD610) | Required: No text required. Materials will be provided as needed. |
| MD612 Education and Practicum III (3cr) | Education and Practicum III is offered to those students who have passed the Certified Medical Dosimetrist (CMD) board exam given by the Medical Dosimetry Certification Board (MDCB). This course follows in sequence the Education and Practicum II course and expands on clinical case studies and presentation skills. This class will offer alternative assignments dealing with current and experimental special radiation therapy procedures such as: Cyberknife, Tomotherapy, Particle therapy, Stereotactic Radiosurgery, and Brachytherapy. This course will provide an introduction to clinical research. Students are expected to prepare clinical or research presentations. The student will present projects to faculty and peers during university meetings. Students are also encouraged to present their clinical research during local, regional, and national professional society meetings. In addition, students will gain experience in dosimetry planning lab instruction and leadership skills. These classes will progress in increasing complexity from I-IV. Prerequisite: Education and Practicum II (MD611) | Required: No text required. Materials will be provided as needed. |
| MD613 Education and Practicum IV (3cr) | Education and Practicum III is offered to those students who have passed the Certified Medical Dosimetrist (CMD) board exam given by the Medical Dosimetry Certification Board (MDCB). This course follows in sequence the Education and Practicum II course and expands on clinical case studies and presentation skills. This class will offer alternative assignments dealing with current and experimental special radiation therapy procedures such as: Cyberknife, Tomotherapy, Particle therapy, Stereotactic Radiosurgery, and Brachytherapy. This course will provide an introduction to clinical research. Students are expected to prepare clinical or research presentations. The student will present projects to faculty and peers during university meetings. Students are also encouraged to present their clinical research during local, regional, and national professional society meetings. In addition, students will gain experience in dosimetry planning lab instruction and leadership skills. These classes will progress in increasing complexity from I-IV. Prerequisite: Education and Practicum II (MD611) | Required: No text required. Materials will be provided as needed. |